Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio while addressing a campaign rally in Pughoboto on February 13 stated that according to the Government of India, 20 more seats will be added to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, following a solution to the Naga political issue.
The CM also informed that as per the Centre, the number of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats for the State will also be increased to three each, following any solution to the Naga issue.
On the Naga political issue, Rio said that the 14th NLA will take crucial decisions for the Nagas and stated that the NSCN (IM) and the WC-NNPG had come to a common understanding for the resolution of the Naga issue and asked the people to be united.
Regarding the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation’s (ENPO) decision to withdraw their abstention from taking part in the election, Rio welcomed the move and highlighted the steps taken by the State Government by forming a committee and subsequently, recommending an autonomous council for the region realising the deficiency of development in the region.
Rio meanwhile pointed out that the impending census and delimitation will take place soon and maintained that “delimitation should be done justly unlike the last time to deliver justice to all’. It may be noted that following the 84th amendment to the Indian Constitution in 2002, delimitation is to be done after 2026, if not postponed.
“Pughoboto a regional stronghold”
Stating that Pughoboto was a regional stronghold and a regional constituency, Rio exuded hope that the electorates would elect the sitting MLA, Y Vikheho Swu to be in the ruling government.
He urged the people to seize the opportunity, while maintaining that the ticket was given to the NDPP with the hope that the people would not fail him.
Rio also expressed concern about the LJP (RV) party candidate supporters taking the name of the BJP party to confuse the electorates in Pughoboto and assured that he will take up the matter with the high command of the BJP.
- Inputs from various sources